FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Whitney Herr-Buchholz
Manager, Operations and Advancement
School of Dance, University of Arizona
Phone: 520.621.1263
Email: whb@email.arizona.edu
Location: Stevie Eller Dance Theatre
Address: 1737 E. University Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85721
Purchase Tickets: College of Fine Arts Box Office 520.621.1162 or tickets.arizona.edu
Show Dates and Times
Wednesday, February 21, 7:30pm
Thursday, February 22, 7:30pm
Friday, February 23, 7:30pm
Saturday, February 24, 1:30pm
Saturday, February 24, 7:30pm
Sunday, February 25, 1:30pm
Ticket Prices: Adult $35 / Senior, Military, UA Employee $30 / Student $15
Tucson, Arizona ˗ The world is rich with dance forms, and in Dances Near & Far we bring that richness to the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre. We begin the journey in Greece, where choreographer Michael Williams paints the mythological river between Earth and the Underworld with primal movement and power in his piece STYX. An intense score by the Israeli trance band, Infected Mushroom, provides the musical backdrop.
The choreography of Flamenco artist Pablo Rodarte is featured in two pieces on the program. Guest artist Maritza Tafur dances the Soleá, the mother of all Flamenco that originated in the Andalusian region of Spain. Singer Olivia Rojas and guitarist Misael Barraza Diaz accompany the piece along with the Zambra, a Flamenco style that comes from gypsy origins, danced by the UA Dance Ensemble.
Live music by drummer Aaron Vereen will grace the stage as well in Barbea William’s creation based on the fusion of African dance styles from Guinea and Brazil.
We partner with Larry Lang and the UA Confucius Institute to present two Chinese dances; Spring Rhyme, in traditional Peking Opera style, danced by guest artist Qing Yu, and a fan dance illustrating the life of a lotus flower, danced by guest artist Liang Huang.
In collaboration with Andrew Carnie, Dean of the Graduate College, whose research spans many folk dance styles, we showcase an Armenian canopy dance. And the award-winning Maguire Academy joins us in Stevie Eller to present Irish dance at its best.
Elizabeth George-Fesch, presents Visions of Ukraine, a balletic work inspired by the traditional Ukrainian folk dance vocabulary. Set to music by Ukrainian composer Myroslav Skoryk, this upbeat dance features an ensemble of sixteen men and women and culminates with a “Hopak” showcasing the athleticism of the male dancers. From UA Dance faculty we also present On Silver Wings, an Israeli circle dance, and Danzon No. 2, an Argentinian Tango in a robust ballroom style by Jory Hancock, and a light-hearted Calypso by Marquez Johnson.
America has its share of original dance forms, and on the second half of the show we focus on the USA. We team up with Artifact Dance Project co-directors, Ashley Bowman and Claire Hancock to create a lively medley of American dance through the years, from the Charleston to Hip Hop.
Your chance to travel and dream – all in the comfort of your seat in the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre!
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